Council authorizes mayor to pursue TSET Healthy Living grants for Bobby Buck Park and community projects

The Pryor Creek City Council authorized the mayor on Sept. 16 to pursue two TSET (Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust) Healthy Living grant opportunities, after a presentation from Harper Meehan of the TCET Impact Network/Mays County Hope.

Meehan outlined two grant streams: a competitively awarded built-environment grant (construction and planning for physical activity infrastructure) and a Healthy Incentive grant for communities that funds tobacco-free policies, healthy food access, and physical-activity projects. She said small municipalities (population under 10,000) often qualify for awards with no local match and that some awards may reimburse expenses while others provide upfront funding.

Council members asked whether certain items (for example, restrooms) would be eligible; Meehan said she would verify whether restroom construction fits the grant parameters but warned that a permanent restroom could exceed anticipated award levels. Meehan advised the council that both grants require a tobacco-free and wellness policy in place at application and that the city’s wellness policy is currently in draft form and would need final approval before applications in the October–November window.

Council members discussed forming an ad hoc or joint committee (including police, fire and other city staff) to meet TSET’s wellness-policy and committee requirements; Meehan offered to present at the Oct. 7 council meeting and to help staff draft the required policy and meeting documentation.

After discussion, Council member Lamar moved and the council seconded a motion authorizing the mayor to proceed with grant applications and to assemble necessary committee meetings; the motion passed unanimously.